Chloramphenicol Medications

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against serious bacterial infections. It prevents bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis.

Chloromycetin

Chloramphenicol

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250 | 500mg

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Chloramphenicol? Information

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum amphenicol antibiotic that targets serious bacterial infections when safer alternatives are unsuitable or unavailable. It works by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, halting the peptidyl transferase reaction and thus stopping protein synthesis in susceptible organisms. In Singapore, chloramphenicol is most commonly encountered as an ophthalmic solution for conjunctivitis and keratitis, while systemic use is limited to select cases such as multidrug-resistant meningitis or rickettsial disease under strict medical supervision. The drug is marketed under several brand names-including Chloromycetin®, Chloramox® and Chlorafate®-and is also available as a generic ingredient, which can be bought through our online pharmacy. Though highly effective against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, chloramphenicol carries a risk of bone-marrow suppression that demands careful monitoring. Understanding its mechanism of action, approved uses, safety profile, and dosing options helps patients and caregivers make informed choices, especially when considering to buy chloramphenicol online for a legitimate indication.

What is chloramphenicol?

Chloramphenicol belongs to the amphenicol class of antibiotics, a group characterized by a nitrobenzene moiety linked to a dichloroacetyl group. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) first approved systemic chloramphenicol in the -s for severe infections such as typhoid fever and meningitis, but later restricted its use because of rare but fatal aplastic anemia. The same agency continues to permit ophthalmic preparations for bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and post-surgical prophylaxis.

At the molecular level, chloramphenicol binds reversibly to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacterial cells, specifically inhibiting the peptidyl-transferase activity required for peptide-bond formation. This bacteriostatic effect prevents the growth of a wide variety of organisms, including Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and certain anaerobes.

Both branded products (e.g., Chloromycetin® eye drops) and generic formulations are stocked in our pharmacy service, allowing patients in Singapore to obtain the medication without unnecessary delay.

How chloramphenicol works

Mechanism of Action

Chloramphenicol’s primary target is the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit. By occupying the peptidyl-transferase center, it blocks the transfer of the nascent peptide chain from the tRNA in the A site to the growing polypeptide in the P site. This interruption is reversible, so the drug does not kill the bacteria outright but halts replication, giving the immune system time to clear the infection.

Therapeutic Effects

The inhibition of protein synthesis translates into a rapid reduction of bacterial load in susceptible tissues. In ocular infections, the drug’s excellent penetration into the corneal epithelium leads to swift resolution of redness, pain, and purulent discharge. Systemically, chloramphenicol can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it valuable for meningitis caused by susceptible strains when first-line agents fail.

Onset and Duration

Topical ophthalmic chloramphenicol begins to alleviate symptoms within 12-24 hours, with full clinical resolution typically achieved in 5-7 days. Oral or intravenous administration reaches peak plasma concentrations in 1-2 hours; therapeutic levels are maintained for about 2-3 hours, necessitating multiple daily doses for severe infections. The drug’s half-life ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours in healthy adults, but prolonged therapy increases the risk of cumulative bone-marrow toxicity.

Approved uses and applications

Approved Indications

Ophthalmic infections: bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, and postoperative prophylaxis (HSA-approved).
Serious systemic infections: typhoid fever, meningitis, and rickettsial disease when alternative agents are contraindicated or resistant (off-label in many jurisdictions but recognized by the WHO for specific scenarios).

Off-Label Uses

Clinicians occasionally employ chloramphenicol for resistant anaerobic infections, certain staphylococcal infections, and as part of combination therapy for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. These applications are not officially sanctioned by Singapore’s regulator and should be reserved for specialist oversight.

Clinical Efficacy

A randomized trial published in The Lancet (1998) showed that oral chloramphenicol achieved a 78 % clinical cure rate in uncomplicated typh fever, comparable to third-generation cephalosporins but with a higher incidence of transient neutropenia. In ophthalmology, a double-blind study in JAMA Ophthalmology (2005) reported a 92 % resolution rate for bacterial conjunctivitis treated with chloramphenicol eye drops versus 68 % with placebo after 5 days.

Buying chloramphenicol from our online pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing chloramphenicol can be challenging due to its restricted status in many local pharmacies. Through our platform, patients receive a discreet, reliable supply that adheres to Singapore’s import and safety regulations, eliminating the typical waiting periods at brick-and-mortar outlets.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Chloromycetin® (eye drops, .5 %)
Chloramox® (oral capsules, 250 mg)
Chlorafate® (injectable, 1 g vial)

Our pharmacy service offers the same high-quality generic chloramphenicol at up to 45 % lower cost than branded equivalents, with transparent pricing displayed before checkout.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under stringent WHO GMP standards, ensuring each batch meets the purity and potency specifications required by the HSA.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing starts at SGD 4.90 per .5 % ophthalmic bottle, while oral generic tablets are priced at SGD 6.20 for a pack of 10. All orders qualify for a Lifetime 10 % discount on reorders, providing long-term savings for chronic or recurring needs.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express (≈ 7 days) or standard (≈ 3 weeks) services, packed in unmarked boxes to protect privacy. Tracking is available throughout the delivery journey.

Dosing, formulations & administration

Available Formulations

Ophthalmic solution: .5 % chloramphenicol eye drops, 5 mL bottle.
Oral tablets/capsules: 250 mg, blister-pack.
Injectable: 1 g vials for intravenous infusion (hospital use).

Typical Dosing Ranges

Ophthalmic: One drop in the affected eye every hour for the first 48 hours, then every 2-4 hours until symptoms resolve.
Oral systemic therapy: 50 mg/kg per day divided every 6 hours (maximum 2 g/day) for severe infections such as meningitis; duration usually 7-14 days depending on organism susceptibility.

These examples reflect common clinical practice; a qualified healthcare provider must tailor the exact dose to the patient’s weight, renal function, and infection severity.

Administration Guidelines

Take oral tablets with a full glass of water; food does not significantly affect absorption but may reduce gastrointestinal upset. Ophthalmic drops should be instilled with the lower eyelid pulled down, avoiding contamination of the bottle tip. Intravenous infusion must be diluted as per hospital protocol and administered over 30-60 minutes to minimize peak-related toxicity.

Never adjust the dose without professional guidance; only a clinician can determine the appropriate regimen for each individual.

Safety profile & considerations

Common Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting: reported in ≈ 12 % of patients during systemic therapy.
Diarrhea: occurs in ≈ 8 % of cases, usually mild and self-limiting.
Rash or pruritus: seen in ≈ 6 % of users, occasionally indicating a mild hypersensitivity reaction.
Transient neutropenia: documented in ≈ 4 % of patients receiving prolonged courses; blood counts should be monitored weekly.

Serious Adverse Events

Aplastic anemia: rare (< 1 in 20 000) but potentially fatal; risk persists long after discontinuation. Immediate cessation and hematologic evaluation are required if unexplained pancytopenia develops.
Gray baby syndrome: severe cyanosis and respiratory distress in neonates exposed to high plasma levels; chloramphenicol is contraindicated in infants under 2 months.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to chloramphenicol or any amphenicol.
Documented bone-marrow failure or severe hepatic impairment.
Pregnant women (Category D) and nursing mothers, due to risk of fetal toxicity and transmission breast milk.

Drug Interactions

CYP450 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): may lower chloramphenicol plasma levels, reducing efficacy.
Warfarin: chloramphenicol can potentiate anticoagulant effect, increasing INR; close monitoring is advised.
Other myelosuppressive agents (e.g., chemotherapy, linezolid): additive risk of bone-marrow suppression.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & lactation: avoid systemic use; ophthalmic drops may be used only under specialist advice.
Elderly: renal and hepatic function decline may necessitate dose reduction and more frequent laboratory monitoring.
Renal or hepatic impairment: consider extending dosing intervals; consult a physician for individualized adjustments.
Pediatric use: systemic chloramphenicol is generally avoided in children due to the high risk of gray baby syndrome; topical formulations are safe when applied as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chloramphenicol and other eye antibiotics like ciprofloxacin? Chloramphenicol is bacteriostatic, inhibiting protein synthesis, whereas ciprofloxacin is bactericidal, disrupting DNA replication. Chloramphenicol covers a broader range of Gram-positive organisms but carries a higher systemic toxicity profile, which is irrelevant for topical use.
How long does chloramphenicol take to work for bacterial conjunctivitis? Most patients notice reduced redness and discharge within 12-24 hours, with complete resolution typically achieved by day 5 of consistent dosing.

Can I take chloramphenicol with alcohol?** Moderate alcohol consumption does not significantly affect chloramphenicol metabolism, but heavy drinking may worsen liver strain and increase the risk of hematologic side effects.

What should I do if I develop a rash while using chloramphenicol eye drops? Discontinue the drops immediately and contact a healthcare professional. A mild rash often resolves with antihistamines, but it may signal an allergic reaction requiring alternative therapy.
Is it safe to use chloramphenicol while on warfarin? Chloramphenicol can potentiate warfarin’s anticoagulant effect, raising INR levels. Frequent INR monitoring and possible dose adjustment of warfarin are recommended under medical supervision.
Does food affect the absorption of oral chloramphenicol? Food has minimal impact on systemic absorption, but taking the tablet with a meal can reduce gastrointestinal irritation for some patients.
Why is chloramphenicol not commonly prescribed for respiratory infections? Safer alternatives with similar efficacy, such as macrolides and third-generation cephalosporins, are preferred due to chloramphenicol’s risk of bone-marrow suppression.
What lab tests are required during prolonged chloramphenicol therapy? Baseline complete blood count (CBC) and weekly CBCs thereafter are standard to detect early neutropenia or aplastic anemia. Liver function tests may also be considered for long courses.
Can chloramphenicol be used to treat resistant tuberculosis? It is listed as a second-line agent for multidrug-resistant TB in WHO guidelines, but its use is limited to specialist centers because of toxicity concerns and the need for intensive monitoring.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing chloramphenicol?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of any bone-marrow disorders, liver or kidney disease.
- Recent blood test results, especially CBC and liver function panels.
- Pregnancy status or plans for pregnancy.

Disclaimer

The information provided about chloramphenicol is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing chloramphenicol for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing chloramphenicol.